Monday, June 28, 2010

This week I'm starting over. For the past 6 months I feel as if I've gone from illness to injury over and over again. I need a fresh start without acting like I'm making up for lost time. I need to approach running and the whole fitness thing as if it's new. I feel like I get started again then I get sick, or injured, or both. I don't know the body I have right now and how it will react to what ever I'm doing. I started swimming two weeks ago then I got sick, which wiped me out last week. All I want is to be healthy. Last year was so promising and I was beginning to make progress again. This year is half way through and I feel as if it's been full of setbacks. It's time for some good karma and maybe a more conservative approach to my training. I don't think the "full speed ahead" approach is working for me. I know I can't dwell over how the past 6 months have been, PRs in sight (again) only to vanish between illness and injury.

FROM HERE ON OUT THERE WILL BE NO MORE INJURIES OR ILLNESSES THAT IMPEDES MY PROGRESS!

I will rebuild.

I will meet my goals.

I will see some PRs.

I will persevere.

Unfinished business / randomness...

About a month ago The Black Knight had a random drawing for a Race for the Cure t-shirt from Italy. Lo and behold, I won!

Front

Back

This T shirt is incredibly soft and I've been wearing it as a night shirt. I kept meaning to get a photo* of it ever since it arrived. Grazie molto, Cavaliere Nero!!

Our senior citizen kitty, Cruiser, has to be about 18 years old, which makes him something like a hundred years old by cat standards. He's slow. He can't jump fences or stalk birds outside, but his head is all there, still seeks attention, and can meow louder than any other cat I've known. He's a little scruffy looking due to his advanced age, but I captured a photo this morning that makes him look like the kitten he once was:

"Meeeeeoooooow! " translates to "Let me in!"

In World Cup Soccer today, Brazil shut out Chile, 3 to 0. Since the USA is out, I'm now completely behind Brazil, but I am out-numbered since 4 of the 5 people living in my house are part Brazilian. Do I have a choice? Yes, I suppose I could be a rebel and root for Germany or Spain since I have descendants from both of those countries, but it wouldn't be pretty. I'll root for Brazil and keep the peace.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

This is an odd cold. The cold symptoms aren't that bad, I have no fever, yet I'm so tired! I went to my workout at RU yesterday and felt rather pathetic. Bryan is out for the week and I worked with Justin. Since I don't work with him regularly, he doesn't know me well enough to know that I can push through just about anything they throw at me. I felt like one of those contestants on The Biggest Loser on the first day of working out, where some of them just get going with the workouts, then start whining about how hard it is. That was me. I even tried to negotiate using lighter weights, but he just told me to push through. This is so not like me, but I'm also not feeling like myself, either.

Last night was also an office party. We celebrated three birthdays, including mine. It took me 2 hours to throw on some jeans, a blouse, shoes and apply make-up, just because the the fatigue. We celebrated at a little restaurant in the middle of an industrial/office park - Buds Louisiana Cafe. Yes, an odd location for a restaurant, but it was REALLY good, even for my foodie boss. Luckily, this was dinner and not an activity like bowling or roller skating. It was fun catching up with everyone and all of the office shenanigans. I didn't think to take my camera, but my boss made hats for the three of us birthday girls. Here's my hat:

Custom party hat. An eye with running legs.

I ordered a few pictures from my daughter's graduation earlier this month. Look at what I received:

Ummmmmmmmm, that' not my daughter!

At first I was thinking "WTF?" Now I think this is sort of funny. I called customer service and they think this guy probably received my daughter's pictures. They're going to reprint my daughter's photos and send those out ASAP, and told me to destroy the incorrect photos. I feel kind of odd about destroying the pictures, though. The guy's name is on the back and I was thinking of, perhaps, contacting him (though Facebook, maybe) and just sending him the pictures. They're not cheap. What do you think?

The gophers are going down. Three more heads of almost ready romaine lettuce are gone! It's time for traps.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

All of us, well, except for Hubs, has a cold. It's just a matter of time before Hubs gets it. Thank goodness it's nothing serious, just a royal pain in the bootay cold that messes up anyone's schedule. I had major plans to swim this week since the pool opens earlier. Ah well. The advantage to being down is resting, and that's good for the sore foot. The foot is doing better, it just feels tired and hot at the end of the day, as if I worked a 10 hour shift in retail for a one day sale.*

We hosted Father's Day this year, which is when I woke up with the cold. Good times. I didn't get around to taking pictures because I was busy running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Having a cold leaves no room for clarity of mind. Some how I never vacuumed the living room which contained pretzel crumbs from the kid and dog hair, which really didn't matter in the big picture. Regardless, the fathers were happy with the day, and a friend brought a bottle of Hungarian merlot that I could actually drink without getting hives. Of course, there was a cooler full of imported beers, ice teas and juice. I made shishkabobs -- beef, chicken, and firm tofu kabobs staggered with hearty vegetables with a teryiaki marinade. FYI, firm tofu handles being on a skewer for barbecue very well - those were a hit with my vegetarian guests. Everyone else brought the salads, side dishes and desserts. Hubs received an 8GB iPod Nano from us. His shuffle didn't make it through the marathon this year. He probably got it wet when he tossed a cup of water on his head during the latter part of the run. I tried to resurrect his iPod, but it didn't work this time. I think he's happy with the upgrade. Father's day was also made happier with World Cup Soccer and Brazil's win over the Ivory Coast. Hubs is half Brazilian, and this victory made one more thing to celebrate. Vai Brasil!

On the gardening front, the enemy gopher took down two more plants. One was a head of romaine lettuce, which I was able to save and actually use, the other was an entire yellow squash plant with several baby yellow squash on it. I was able to save some the squash, but they were really too small to make a full meal for everyone, but yummy with eggs for breakfast for one person. (Me). I was looking forward to a lot of squash this year, and those would have been ready by the 4th of July.

Until this cold lessens, I will not be running or swimming. Pass the tissue.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

My foot is dealing with some sort of muscle pull, so no running until it feels better. While I'm waiting for the foot to feel better, I've been frequenting our community pool. I honestly had no clue how I would do. The last time I started fresh from a long time off from swimming I could only swim two or three lengths of the pool and I was toast. Obviously, my fitness levels weren't the best at that time. This time I have miles and miles of running in my endurance tank, I train hard at RU - which has saved me time and time again, and just keep active as possible. My first time out I swam for an 1 hour and 15 minutes, but took about a 5 minute break during that time, and several mini water sip breaks. I also did several slow back stroke laps to catch my breath. It was complete bliss. It was the way I feel when I have a good run. I didn't have to think about my feet. My head was clear, and I just swam. It felt very freeing.

I also hadn't thought about counting laps until someone asked me if I thought I swam a mile. I had no clue. Bryan suggested dividing my swim into drills, then count the sets of drills, but knowing me I'd still lose count of the drills. I remembered I had that water resistant Tech4-0 sports watch that I had received free for review last year. After some minor fumbling around with it, I found that it did have a lap button and took it on my swim today. It worked!

I didn't take a 5 minute break this time, but water sips that probably lasted a few seconds at best. Most of of the laps were freestyle, but I did a few slow backstroke laps to breathe.

I'm far from being a speedster in the pool, but I'm not training for any tris, masters swim team or anything like that. I'm swimming to burn off some energy while not running. That's all. Will it evolve into something else? I don't know... yet.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

I was contacted by the folks at SCAPE to review a few products from their sunblock line. I can no longer easily find the sunblock brand I was using and have been trying several different brands for the past two years. I was happy to give SCAPE a fair try. I'm particular about the sunblock I use because:

I'm fair.

I burn easily.

Skin cancer is a concern.

I want something that I can use equally for running and every day.

I want something that doesn't run into my eyes and stings when I sweat.

I want something that stays on, no matter what I'm doing outside.

It's gotta smell good.

I was surprised when I received the package of sunscreen products because they sent me the distinctive yellow, black and white full sized containers to try:

"SCAPE – www.scapelabs.com – is skincare/suncare for athletes developed by the PhD behind Neutrogena’s biggest product launch in history, who is also responsible for Helioplex and Ultra Sheer. The polymer technology and science in the product is innovative and has a specific focus on Skin Cancer Awareness Protection Education. In fact, the key athlete that helped develop the product, Ironman World Champ, Craig Alexander, had a melanoma removed a few years back. He found SCAPE while it was in development phased and has not used anything since. SCAPE is:

5X more waterproof than any other product on the market – achieved through a new polymer technology similar to an ultra-thin Gore-Tex layer to hold the sunscreen in place

Will not rub off and will not run into your eyes

Breathable – allows the skin to breathe and keep body temperature down and doesn’t clog pores

Has the highest UVA protection on the market – a result of making the Avobenzone molecule photo-stable

Loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants to protect and nourish the skin"

I did the gutsy thing and used SCAPE for the first time at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on June 6, 2010. The forecast indicated heat, humidity and sun. I know we should never try anything for the first time *ever* when running in a race such as a half marathon, but I figured this product was created for athletes, and it was the perfect scenario to test the product. Sure, it was risky because I didn't know if it would live up to everything the company claimed. Would I be allergic to it? Would it run into my eyes and make my eyes sting as some other sunscreens have done? Would it last long enough while I waited for my husband to finish his marathon?

In the morning before heading out to the half marathon/marathon start area, I slathered on the creamy SPF 30+ sunblock, and my husband helped me to reach the backs of my arms and back where I couldn't reach. (I prefer spray or aerosol sunblocks, just so I can reach by back areas by myself and for thorough coverage.) The creamy sunblock went on smoothly, had a pleasant, clean scent, and it was easy to apply. It never felt sticky or greasy. I applied the SPF 50+ face stick to my face and worked it onto my ears. I'm loving this face stick because it comes in a solid form, in a compact (roll up) container that I could carry with me in the small pocket of my hydration belt, I can apply it even if my face is sweaty, it's non greasy, and has a pleasant, clean scent. With both products I never felt like I had any heavy, sticky creams or goop on my face or body. The SPF 50+ lip balm is silky going on and not waxy like some other brands, and has a nice citrus flavor.

I ran my half marathon and I was sweaty early on. I never once felt the sunscreen drip into my eyes and cause stinging. Even after I crossed the finish line and received an ice cold washcloth to cool my face with, the sunscreen stayed put! I finished my half marathon in 2:30:55, and I still had to wait for Hubs to finish the marathon. He finished in 6:06, and during those extra 3 1/2 + hours, I never thought to reapply sunblock. I did stay in the shade a few times, but I walked out to our track club's water station at about mile 25, where there was no shade. One of my friends received a second degree sunburn from being out in the sun with me for the same amount of time, and we're equally fair skinned. I did not burn where the SCAPE sunblock was applied. The only part of me that did burn were my feet, after I had changed out of my running shoes into my flip flops. I didn't think to apply SCAPE to my feet. Lesson learned!

SCAPE lived up to it's claims. I'm not allergic to the non-comedogenic formula, it lasted me the entire time I was outside, which was from about 5:30 AM until about 2:00 PM that same afternoon, when I went home, and it probably would have lasted longer if I needed it to. As much as I sweat, it never stung or hurt my eyes, and it never wore off. Hubs also slathered on SCAPE before his marathon, and it lasted him through his time in the hot sun with no sunburn.

I am a convert, and I'm picky about what I put on my skin. I'm also all about skin cancer prevention since I am a prime candidate for skin cancer. SCAPE works! SCAPE sunblock products will be a part of my skin care arsenal.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

I celebrated another birthday yesterday. The whole getting older thing doesn't bother me in the least. I embrace each year of life, as I see life as a gift. As I get older I actually find myself more comfortable in my own skin. As comfortable as I am with aging, I have a friend who is constantly hung up on age. I love her to death, but every year since we were about 16 she has given me birthday cards, which I appreciate, but she always has to comment about age. Always. When we were younger it was all about her being a whole whopping 11 & 1/2 months older than me, and she constantly threw that in my face. I just didn't understand it. She made a big deal about turning 16 and getting her drivers license before me, turning 21 and being a legal adult before me, and so on. The comments were always snarky and a bit on the degrading side. Around the time we reached our 30s it all changed. Every year she never fails to remind me how old I am, writes that number in the card, makes another comment about how OLD we are getting, and "Oh my, we're sooooo old." Every year. I never think much about age unless it's age group placing in running, when I'm at the doctor, and when she reminds me. To tell you the truth it all has to do with how I feel. Some days I feel like I'm 12, other days I feel like I'm 100. I think it's wonderful that my friend remembers my birthday and takes the time to send me a card every year. Not many people send cards any more. Even more impressive is that we've been friends for 36 years, but who's counting?**

Yesterday morning I had a session at RU. Bryan was impressed that I actually ran the entire half marathon, considering my lack of mileage prior and that I'm still recovering from injury. After a really good and hard workout session (a lot of pylo, running, lunge/squat matrix, etc.) we sat down and discussed my goals for the rest of the year. I was thinking about running 3 half marathons in the fall, but he talked me out of it. He wants me to select 2 half marathons instead, just so I don't get so beat up and re-injured, and consider looking at running shorter distance races such 5k and 10k distances. He also said he would write my training program for those two half marathons, which would be different than the generic training program he gave me before. He believes that I could have a sub 2 hour half marathon, just based on what he's seen me do at my workouts. I also believe that I have a sub 2 in my future. I'm not sure when that will happen, but I know it's mine for the taking as long as I put in the work.

I spent time with just my little family for a simple dinner out last night. We just had the party for our daughter's graduation, and we're still a little worn out from the marathon/half marathon festivities. I didn't ask for any birthday gifts, but Hubs gave me Photoshop, which we've never EVER had on our computer before -- and that boggles the mind since my family is of the artsy nature and you would think Photoshop would be in our arsenal of art supplies. He also surprised me with a glass heart pendant and matching earrings, and the kids also surprised me with some goodies as well. The best part is always letting the kiddo put out the fire, I mean, blow out my candles...

Today I ran just a little over 5 miles at Mission Bay Park. It was a slow 5 miles. I found myself intensely disliking the concrete path after about the first mile, and ran on the grass or asphalt whenever possible. My left foot was so uncomfortable, and feeling sore in new places. Yeah, yeah... I hear you all. I'm still recouping. I'm being conservative. I promise. Really. I iced it when I was finished. It feels better now, well, except for the sunburned parts of my feet that I'm still dealing with from after the half marathon.*

PS:I just wanted to point out that my past San Diego Rock 'n' Roll experiences have been good ones. I felt like some of the kinks of the early years were worked out by the time I decided to run in it, but with this new route and a different company running things, there are new kinks. I love that this event is in my city and I just want to see some improvements. Each run event I've ever been a part of, 5ks to marathons, has quirks and kinks to work out. I was happy with my day this past Sunday, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Yesterday's Song:
Sunburn - Owl City

PEACE

**My friend is counting. She wrote "36 years" on the card, too. *I brought flip flops to wear after the run. I didn't think to put sunscreen on my feet.PSS - Cake photo credit to my friend Christopher from CT. Not sure of his source, but he posted it on Facebook for me. ;)

Monday, June 07, 2010

This a half of a report because I ran the half marathon, meaning I'm going to leave out the mile by mile account, (but it isn't any shorter of a report) however, I will go over many of the highlights that made for a wonderful day and a couple of things that made me think "WTF???"

My son drove us to the marathon start area, thank goodness. We arrived sort of late and missed most of the track club's final stretch before the race. We did arrive in time to sit and stretch a bit with AKA Alice, but then it was soon time to check in our gear, use the port-o-potty (*cough* bushes) and find our corrals.

AKA Alice multi-tasking - stretching and taking pictures.

I found Rich, who was dealing with some first time marathon pre-race jitters

Hubs and I in corral 17 waiting for the race to start.

Friends from RU also in corral 17.

Kirsten, a PT from RU, running her first marathon just one year after having heart surgery.

The original plan was to run the marathon, but with the foot injury, being out for 9 weeks, and only having 3 weeks of haphazard running, I made the switch to the half marathon. Thank goodness they offered a half marathon this year. The course was OK, and we ran more through Balboa Park than in years past, and I liked that. Again, Coach Paul was everywhere with his bull horn with encouraging words to ALL the runners, not just the track club.

For most of my run it was overcast, but a little humid. I also drank the electrolyte on the course, Cytomax, which is something I never do since I bring my own, but it agreed with me, and I think it did help. The sun came out around miles 10, and it felt warmer than normal, but with about 3 miles to go I knew I could deal with it. I was feeling for the marathoners, though, as the air temperatures really heated up.

Around mile 11 or so, I saw AKA Alice running in the opposite direction, which was so cool because we stopped and hugged. What a boost for my psyche, and I'm glad I saw her at that point because I knew she was doing good.

At the last .1 mile, I ran in with a track club member. I don't know her well and I can't remember her name, but I see her all the time. We sort of sprinted in together. I can't wait to see the photo finish.

Post race I trekked into the medical tent, iced my foot, and went through the finish are to load up on bread sticks, fruit cups, electrolyte drinks, etc, and found Molly. Funny thing, Molly switched from the marathon to the half marathon, but still had the marathon bib, and received a marathon medal because of the marathon bib. The volunteers wanted to make sure there were enough medals for the half marathoners.

Happy to be finished! BTW, Molly's bib says " I like cheese."

Rich is now a marathoner!

I spent a lot of time at the track club tent, talked to friends about their races, and enjoyed the shade of the tent. At one point I did walk over to the track club water station, located less than a mile from the finish. I did see several friends run by, and I was hoping to see Hubs. I thought he may have passed me, but it turns out he didn't. There's a story about about why he decided to toss the PR.

Hubs ran the marathon and was doing well, setting some course PRs for himself. Around mile 12 he ran past a track club member who was having a hard time, sobbing. He decided to chuck his PR and spend time running and walking with her, just to help her get through a few miles until she found her friends on the course. He ran in the rest of the way, knowing he'd finish over 6 hours, but was OK about it, he was still concerned for the young lady.

Once Hubs was finished, he wanted his free beer, so we gathered all of our belongings and headed over to the "festival" area. In years past this was at MCRD, in a nice grassy area. This year it was in the crappy, beat up asphalt area in the Sea World overflow parking lot, which is hard to walk on if you've just run a marathon and can barely walk as it is. The cracked and chipped asphalt was also hot and sticky, and not conducive to staying to enjoy the festivities. To make matters worse, they wouldn't let Hubs into the beer area because he didn't have his ID on him. Um, helloooo? WTF? He's obviously over 21. He never runs with his ID because he has a shoe ID tag. We've NEVER had to show ID before. We also had wrist bands to get free food at PF Chang's booth, but by the time we got there the food was gone! Thank goodness we didn't have to deal with the shuttle buses because I understand that was logistical snafu, and many people said that it took longer to get back to Qualcom Stadium (where they parked) than it was to run the marathon!
Since my son volunteered at the track club water station, he was able to park near by, and drove us home.

Back at home Hubs enjoyed his beer and fell asleep on the couch, and I posted a Facebook update. My son did us a favor and picked up burgers from In 'n' Out. I scarfed down two protein style burgers, took a shower and was in bed by 8 PM.

Next race is the Annual Independence Day 5k/15k in Coronado, and probably the 5k.

Oh, and today I need to visit my local DMV to renew my driver's license. Yay.

Saturday, June 05, 2010

This past week has been a whirlwind of busy. I had all kinds of posts planned, but I just never had the chance to sit down and formulate the words.

As I had mentioned in a prior post, my sister was in town for a bit. We spent more time together on Memorial Day and just chilled out at the beach. It was also the first time in a long time that I was able to spend quality time with my own family. Yes, we see each other every day, but to actually have the five of us spending time together joyfully interacting was wonderful. Life becomes busy and we don't always get the chance to enjoy our own company.

My daughter graduated from Grossmont College with an Associates of Arts degree and a certificate in Dance, and will be transferring to San Diego State University.

Hooray Renee!

Next on the agenda is everything that leads to the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & Half Marathon on Sunday, June 6, 2010. I truly wanted to be running the full marathon, but it was not to be. Next year. I am thrilled to be participating in the half marathon with no time expectations. I really haven't trained for it, but I know I can finish it since I already have the mileage base. I'm not experiencing any pre race jitters, anxiety or nervousness. I'm keeping an open mind.

Friday afternoon hubs and I attended the expo to pick up our race numbers and swag. We brought cameras, but didn't take a lot of pictures because it's pretty much the same as it always is, since we've done a few Rock 'n' Roll events. We did see our niece's BFF, Mandy, working at the Sports Authority section, who we did not expect to see:

Mandy has become like another niece. :)

After the expo and a quick trip to Movin' Shoes to use a gift certificate for Gu and a water bottle, we made a brief stop at home, then back out to the San Diego Track Club's annual Rockin' 'n' Runnin' pasta dinner. I love attending this dinner because we get to see what everyone looks like all cleaned up. We're used to seeing each other in running garb and sweaty. There were many highlights of this evening for me. I shared a table with friends:

"Making a difference" at our dinner table.

Before the dinner started, Hubs noticed a couple of people talking to Meb Keflezighi, 2004 Olympic silver medalist, 2009 New York City Marathon winner and our guest speaker. Since there weren't hoards of people wanting to talk to him, I took the opportunity to meet him. He was so gracious. I mentioned that we shared a similar injury, the hip fracture, and, without missing a beat, he said, "what is wrong with us?" LOL. Then HE started asking ME questions about my injury, if I had surgery, if one leg is longer than the other, about therapy and if I'm still running, etc. I'm sure he's had a busy day, since he spoke at the expo and met people for a few hours there, THEN came to our track club's event. I was impressed that he took the time to talk to and listen to each of us who met with him. I must admit that I kind of dorked out and was all giddy afterward.

Meb & me.

Is this so cool or what?

In all seriousness, it was wonderful meeting Meb. Ever since I found out about his hip fracture, and to come back to WIN the New York City Marathon is such an inspiration to me. Even though we're at polar ends of the running spectrum, he gives me hope that I, too, can persevere.

I'm well trained as ready as I can be, considering I couldn't run for nine weeks. Hubs and I have reservations at PF Changs for our last carb load meal. We just need to have an "easy" day.

It just wouldn't be a pre race blog post if I didn't post a picture of my race number and what I'm wearing:

My new fuchsia tank top and a Runningskirts.com floral print skirt. If I can't set any PRs, then I might as well look cute. I have this thing about numbers, and this race number contains 5s, which are usually good for me.

Send some positive thoughts to my hubs. He's running the full marathon and dealing with plantar faciitis.

True

"I bought a ticket to the world, but now I've come back again"

-Spandau Ballet

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Sunday Hustle

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